Modern stereo in a tall windshield car

[SLOroadster]

Has anyone put a modern stereo in their late model car? I'm trying to put a CD player in mine, but I can't find a suitable place to put the thing. I thought about the glove box, but I can't reach it while driving (5pt race harnesses really limit ones reach) I tried putting it where the origanal one was, but I think it will interfear with the heater box, and the blinker and fan switches don't have enough clearance. Am I the only person trying to do something like this? The install could be cool as I plan to use the speakers in my Miata seats, and build a box that will sit between the rollbar uprights for a sub and rear speakers. The box will be removable in about 10 seconds. This ones got me stummped. Anyone have any ideas?

Will

[Minh]

My best suggestion is to hunt, hunt, hunt, and hunt for an aftermarket certical mount stereo from that era with FM.

Becuase with the FM band you can install and really trick digital control to the center console above the shift hole. What I mean the newer CD changer controllers designed to run on factory radio would be your most convenient installation

Daunting, Yes. But it would look more right than having a radio above and between the passenger seats knees.

(This is what I did. Mine is an Audiovox. I just need to save up $400 for that Alpine 6 disk CD/MP3 changer and XM satellite with remote.)

[SLOroadster]

I already have a top of the line Pioneer head unit. I so wish I had an early car, the flat dash is so much easier to live with.
Will

[spl310]

Well, there is another option. You can convert to a flat dash. You will need the flat dash with the appropriate gauges, the radio console, and the shift plate.

From what I know, the install is not that hatefull - just time consuming. The side mounts for the dash are the same, so you have to make a center support. One of the fiberglass low windshield dash pads makes covering it all pretty easy. If you get a blank dash (no gauges) you can install aftermarket gauges in the holes (I am told that Autometer makes a set that fit the 65 - 67 dash fairly easily, but don't know that to be gospel) for the stock gauges. The heater controls are an easy change over. The wiring is not too bad - may need to modify some, but it looks easy enough. If you want to go with stock early gauges, get the oil sender for the early car and do away with the oil line. When it is done, it looks stock and gives you a MUCH more attractive dashboard (no offense high windshield guys - chrome looks good!)

Sid

[SLOroadster]

I have thought about the early dash, but I don't really want to spend that much money just to install a stereo. That makes a nice set up really expensive.
WIll

[larry]

Hi Guys
I had the same problem and finally put it in the glove box. The only stereo I found that was not to deep was a JVC KD-S670. Even then I had to cut out the back of the glove box and drill a hole in the brace to snake the antenna cord in.
The stereo came with a remote. I have no problem reaching the controls but it is a pain opening and closing the glove box door all the time.
I'm either going to drill a hole in the glove box door so the sensor can work with the door closed or look into a remote contol extender.
It's a cheep way to go and does not destoy the looks of the interior

[Guest]

My son suggested that I mount my CD player under the dash just below the steering column. I know it sounds like a strange location, but it has worked out fine. It's somewhat concealed, but easy to get to while I'm driving. It was also nice because I was able to use existing screw holes under the column to mount the player. I used two common L brackets. I suppose if I was 6' 2" or over, my knees might hit it, but I'm about 5' 11", and it never gets in the way. You gotta have tunes! I hope this helps.

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[SLOroadster]

Mark,
Was the stereo mounted on the outside of the center console? If so that is an interesting idea. I will have to try it out for size.
thanks,
Will

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[davids]

You could always mount a stereo that uses a wireless remote, you can get a quality one for under 300 dollars, then you maintain the factory look and don't have to unbuckle your harness to change stations, or mount it in your removable speaker box.
Dave

[SLOroadster]

I have a deck with a wireless remote, but that still doesn't work if its stuffed in the glove box. Feeding it a CD will still be diffucult. This project has been put on the back burner for the time being.
thanks,
Will

[Minh]

I think I have found the perfect solution.
http://www.vintage-vibes.com

They have a full stereo, CD changer, 4x25watt, RF remote (not infrared) and can be mounted anywhere you want.
http://www.vintage-vibes.com/secretaudio.htm

I like the part where no one can see what you got at all (depending on how you install it) when parked.

It's not cheap.

It doesn't play MP3, so I am sticking to my original plan I posted earlier. The price is about same.

Lots of luck Will

[topdownfun]

Hi,

I've installed a modern Alpine cassette deck (removeable faceplate) in my '70 1600, sideways in the stock stereo location. It took some cutting of the console faceplate and console itself, and a bit of grinding on 1 lower corner of the stereo to fit, but it looks and works great. There is a bit of interference with the rubber defroster tubes, but not too noticeable (defrost still works fine - a bit less air volume, I'm sure.)

Don't know how to post a photo in this message; email me and I'll send you a photo....

Erik Miller
1970 1600 (currently dismantling for a serious resto)
funkaholik@yahoo.com